Aryl ketals of polycyclic oxo compounds and processes

ABSTRACT

The intermediates and processes of this disclosure provide a new stereo-specific total synthesis of steroidal materials having known valuable pharmacological properties. A fundamental feature of this diclosure is the utilization of aryl ketals, preferably phenylenedioxy ketals derived from catechol as protective groups for oxo moieties in the polycyclic intermediates used in the aforesaid total synthesis.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a division of application Ser. No. 363,443 filed May 24, 1973,now U.S. Pat. No. 3,907,827, issued Sept. 23, 1975, which is adivisional of application Ser. No. 74,519, filed Sept. 22, 1970, nowU.S. Pat. No. 3,758,509, issued Sept. 11, 1973, which is acontinuation-in-part of Ser. No. 11,023, filed Feb. 12, 1970, now U.S.Pat. No. 3,708,500, issued Jan. 2, 1973, which is a continuation-in-partof Ser. No. 824,319, filed May 13, 1969, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,544,600,issued Dec. 1, 1970 and a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 825,389,filed May 16, 1969, now abandoned.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is concerned with certain polycyclic compounds and withprocesses for their synthesis. More particularly this invention relatesto novel derivatives of cyclopenta[f][1]-benzopyrans and7H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans, and to methods for their production. Thesecompounds are useful as intermediates in syntheses of steroids andD-homosteroids, respectively. In syntheses of steroidal materials stericconsiderations are of great significance. The most used steroidalcompounds are those having a C/D-trans ring junction with thesubstituent in the 13-position being in the β-stereoconfiguration. Thepresent invention provides a facile total synthesis of13β-C/D-transsteroidal materials. This desirable result is obtained viaa unique asymmetric induction with optical specificity preserved insubsequent reaction steps. A particular aspect of this invention residesin the use of arylenedioxy ketals as protective groups for intermediatecompounds in the synthesis of steroids. Arylenedioxy ketals exhibitunexpected advantages over other ketal protective groups, e.g.,alkylenedioxy ketals in that the former groups are more stable to thereaction conditions employed in the synthesis thus providingsubstantially higher yields of desired end products. This isparticularly true in the case of steps requiring oxidation in thepresence of acid.

In a major aspect, this invention is concerned with novel derivatives ofcyclopenta[f][1]benzopyrans having the tricyclic nucleus ##SPC1##

And novel derivatives of naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans having the tricyclicnucleus ##SPC2##

These novel compounds are generally defined by the formula: ##SPC3##

Wherein ##EQU1## B is the remaining residue of an aryl group which maybe monocyclic or bicyclic and which may bear one or more additionalsubstituents selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl and loweralkoxy; R₁ is a primary alkyl group of from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R₂ ishydrogen, lower primary alkyl, or lower acyl; R₅, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₄ and R₁₅are each independently hydrogen or lower alkyl; Z is carbonyl or a groupof the formula ##EQU2## R₇ is hydrogen or lower acyl; R₈ is hydrogen orlower aliphatic hydrocarbyl; T represents either a single or a doublebond; U represents a single or a double bond and is a single bond when Tis a single bond; m is an integer having a value of 1 to 2; n is aninteger having a value of from 0 to 1 and is 0 when T represents adouble bond and is 1 when T represents a single bond; r is an integerhaving a value of from 0 to 1 and is 0 when T is a double bond and 1when T is a single bond; and s is an integer having a value of from 0 to1 and is 0 when U is a double bond and 1 when U is a single bond.

As used throughout the specification and appended claims, the term"hydrocarbyl group" denotes a monovalent substituent consisting solelyof carbon and hydrogen; the teerm "hydrocarbylene" denotes a divalentsubstituent consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen and having itsvalence bonds from different carbons; the term "aliphatic," withreference to hydrocarbyl or hydrocarbylene groups, denotes groupscontaining no aromatic unsaturation, but which can be otherwisesaturated or unsaturated, i.e., an alkyl or alkylene, or an aliphaticgroup containing olefinic or acetylenic unsaturation; the term "alkylgroup" denotes a saturated hydrocarbyl group, whether straight orbranched chain; the term "primary alkyl group" denotes an alkyl grouphaving its valence bond from a carbon bonded to at least two hydrogens;the term "alkoxy" denotes the group R'O-, where R' is alkyl; the term"acyl group" denotes a group consisting of the residue of a hydrocarbylmonocarboxylic acid formed by removal of the hydroxyl portion of thecarboxyl group; the term "oxyhydrocarbyl" denotes a monovalent saturatedcyclic or acyclic group consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygencontaining only one oxygen in the form of an ether linkage; and the term"lower" as applied to any of the foregoing groups denotes a group havinga carbon skeleton containing up to and including eight carbons, such asmethyl, ethyl, butyl, tert.-butyl, hexyl, 2-ethylhexyl, vinyl butenyl,hexenyl, ethinyl, ethylene, methylene, formyl, acetyl, 2-phenylethyl,benzoyl, methoxymethyl, 1-methoxyethyl, tetrahydropyran-2-yl, methoxy,ethoxy, and the like.

In the formulas presented herein the various substituents on cycliccompounds are joined to the cyclic nucleus by one of three notations, asolid line (--) indicating a substituent which is in the β-orientation(i.e., above the plane of the paper), a dotted line (------) indicatinga substituent which is in the α-orientation (below the plane of thepaper), or a wavy line ( ) indicating a substituent which may be ineither the α- or β-orientation. The position of R₁ has been arbitrarilyindicated as the β-orientation, although the products obtained in theexamples are all racemic compounds unless otherwise specified.

Preferred compounds are those wherein Y is 3,3-(arylenedioxy)butylwherein the arylenedioxy group, when taken with the 3-carbon of thebutyl radical, forms a dioxolane ring system, especially3,3-(phenylenedioxy)-butyl, 3,3-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-butyl and3,3-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)-butyl; R₁ is n-alkyl, especially methyland ethyl; and, when s has a value of 1, the 9α- (when m is 1) or 10α-(when m is 2) hydrogen is transoriented with respect to R₁.

Subgeneric to the tricyclic compounds of formula I are the 3-substituted6aβ-alkyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8-octahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyrans (byalternate nomenclature3-substituted-6aβ-alkyl-2,3,5,6a,8-hexhydro-1H-cyclopenta[f][1]-benzopyrans)and the3-substituted-6aβ-alkyl-1,2,5,6,6a,7,8,9-octahydro-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans(by alternate nomenclature3-substituted-6aβ-alkyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,8,9-octahydro-7H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans),hereinafter referred to as "dienes," having the formula: ##SPC4##

wherein R₁, R₁₁, Z, Y and m are as defined above; the3-substituted-6aβ-alkyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,9,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyrans(by alternate nomenclature3-substituted-6aβ-alkyl,2,3,5,6,6a,8,9,9a-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[f][1]benzopyrans)and the 3-substituted-6aβ-alkyl-1,2,5,6,6a,7,8,9,10,10a-decahydro-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans (by alternatenomenclature3-substituted-6aβ-alkyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,8,9,10,10a-decahydro-7H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans),hereinafter referred to as "monoenes" represented by the formula:##SPC5##

wherein R₁, R₁₁, R₁₂, Z, Y, and m are as defined above; and the3-substituted-6aβ-alkyl-4a-hydroxyperhydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyransand the3-substituted-6aβ-alkyl-4a-hydroxyperhydro-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans andtheir lower alkyl ethers and monoacyl esters, hereinafter referred to as"perhydro" compounds represented by the formula: ##SPC6##

wherein R₁, R₂, R₁₁, R₁₂, Z, Y and m are as defined above.

This invention is concerned with a method for producing the compounds offormula I via the following general reaction scheme: ##SPC7##

wherein Y, R₁, R₂, R₁₁, R₁₂, Z, and m are as defined above; and V ishydrogen, lower alkyl or lowerr acyl.

Thus, the process of this invention comprises the general steps of (1)condensation of a substituted 7-hydroxy-1-alken-3-one or a variantthereof (II), as defined below, with a 2-alkylcycloalkane-1,3-dione(III), as defined below, to produce diene (Ia); (2) saturation of the9,9a- or 10,10a-double bond of diene (Ia) to produce monoene (Ib); and(3) introduction of a hydroxy, alkoxy, or acyloxy group at the4a-position and a hydrogen atom at the 9b- or 10b-position of monene(Ib) to produce perhydro compound (Ic). It is to be understood that theforegoing reaction sequence is merely schematic in nature, and that eachdepicted step can represent only one or more than one reaction, as willbe more fully described herein.

1-Alken-3-one compounds of formula II are employed as one of thestarting materials for the foregoing reaction sequence. Illustrativeexamples of these 1-alken-3-ones include the 11,11-arylenedioxy-7-hydroxy-1-alken-3-ones, preferably11,11-phenylenedioxy-7-hydroxy-1-dodecen-3-one.

The 11,11-arylenedioxy-7-hydroxy-1-dodecen-3-ones of formula II above orcyclic variations thereof are readily synthesized from4,4-ethylenedioxy-1-chloropentane as per the following reactionsequence: ##SPC8##

where B is as above, C is alkylenedioxy, preferably ethylenedioxy orarylenedioxy, preferably phenylenedioxy, X is a halide, preferablychloride, R₁₆ is as hereinafter described and R₂₀ is lower alkyl.

As indicated in the above sequence in one embodiment 4,4-alkylene- orphenylenedioxy-1- chloropentane (a) is converted to the Grignard bytreatment with magnesium metal. This reaction may be activated by theaddition of a crystal of iodine to the reaction medium. The Grignard isthen reacted with glutaraldehyde (b) to yield a hemiacetal (c).Conversion of this hemiacetal to formula II compounds may beaccomplished by alternative routes. In a first route, where C is B, thehemiacetal (c) is reacted with vinyl Grignard in an ethereal solvent,e.g., tetrahydrofuran at -20° to 10°C. to yield the vinyl hydroxycompound (g). Treatment of (g) with manganese dioxide and R₁₆ H at roomtemperature in a hydrocarbon solvent yields compounds of formula II.

The hemiacetal (c) may also be oxidized utilizing a chemical oxidizingagent, e.g., silver nitrate, bromine, sodium dichromate bihydrate orpotassium dichromate to yield the lactone (d). It is preferable thatwhen the ketal moiety C is arylenedioxy that the oxidizing agent used beother than bromine due to the possibility of bromination of the aromaticring. It is also possible to oxidize the hemiacetal (c) catalyticallyusing oxygen and a noble metal catalyst, e.g., platinum black. Where Cis arylenedioxy in lactone (d), the lactone may be converted directly tocompounds of formula II by reaction with vinyl Grignard in etherealsolvent, e.g., tetrahydrofuran at temperatures below 0°, preferably-70°C. to -45°C.

Where C in lactone (d) is alkylenedioxy, the lactone is treated withaqueous acid to hydrolyze the ketal group to form the keto lactone (e).Treatment of the keto lactone with the desired dihydroxy aryl compoundsuch as, for example, catechol, 4,5-dimethylcatechol or a 1,2 or2,3-naphthdiol, preferably in an inert organic solvent, e.g., anaromatic hydrocarbon such as benzene, toluene or xylene, preferablybenzene under conventional conditions, e.g., at reflux.

The aforesaid ketalization reaction may produce a ketal half-ester as anintermediate which is readily convertible into the desired arylenedioxylactone upon distillation.

Compounds of formula II are then obtained from said arylenedioxylactones (f) by the selective addition of vinyl Grignard, e.g., vinylmagnesium chloride to the lactone at low temperatures, e.g., below 0°C.,most preferably at about -45°C. in an inert organic solvent medium suchas an etheric solvent, preferably diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether,tetrahydrofuran, dioxane or the like.

In an alternative procedure, ketal lactones of formula d wherein C is Bmay be conveniently prepared from the arylenedioxyketal (h) by reactionwith a 5-oxo-pentanoic acid ester, e.g., the ethyl ester at atemperature of about -60°C. to -30°C. in tetrahydrofuran.

Because of the susceptibility of the vinyl group of the7-hydroxy-1-alken-3-one to decomposition, it is desirable, although notessential, that this compound be converted to more stable variants, suchas those of the formula: ##EQU3## wherein R₁₁, R₁₂, Y and V are asdefined above; and R₁₆ is chloro, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lowerhydrocarbylamino or di(lower hydrocarbyl)amino.

As exemplary, these compounds of formula II-a are readily produced fromthe vinyl ketones of formula II by known techniques. For example,1-chloro-7-hydroxyalkan-3-ones are obtained by the anti-Markownikoffreaction of the vinyl compound with hydrogen chloride in known manner.1-Hydroxy and 1-alkoxy derivatives are obtained by the base-catalyzedreaction of water or a lower alkanol, for example, methanol, with thevinyl ketone. Additional derivatives are formed by the reaction of thevinyl ketone with a mono(lower hydrocarbyl)- or di(lowerhydrocarbyl)-amine to form the Mannich base 1-(lower hydrocarbyl)amino-or 1-di(lower hydrocarbyl)amino-7-hydroxyalkan-3-one. A particularlyadvantageous procedure is to oxidize a hydroxy vinyl compound e.g.formula (g) with manganese dioxide in the presence of such an amine. Insome instances, particularly in large scale commercial operation, it maybe desirable to convert the Mannich base to its crystalline acidaddition salts, particularly quaternary ammonium salts. All of thechloro, hydroxy, alkoxy, and aminoalkanones yield the alkenones offormula II under the conditions of the condensation with the2-alkylcycloalkane-1,3-dione.

The compounds of formula II as is evident from the previously describedreaction sequence can be used in the form of still another variant. Thisis the cyclized variant comprising a cyclic hemiketal, i.e.,2-tetrahydropyranol of the formula: ##SPC9##

wherein Y is as defined above and R₁₇ is lower hydrocarbylamino ordi(lower hydrocarbyl)amino. The variants of formula IIb can be preparedfrom compounds of formula II by reaction with the same reactants as areused to produce those compounds of formula IIa wherein R₁₆ is a lowerhydrocarbylamino or di(lower hydrocarbyl)amino. As is apparent, thosecompounds of formula IIa wherein R₁₆ has the aforesaid meanings and thecompounds of formula IIb are isomers. These isomers exist in the form ofa ketone of formula IIa or in the form of the cyclic hemiketal offormula IIb or as an equilibrium mixture of the two forms. Whether aparticular Mannich base of formula IIa exists in that form or thehemiketal form or in an equilibrium mixture consisting primarily of oneor the other will depend upon the environmental conditions in which itis placed, such as temperature, solvent, and pH of reaction medium, aswell as the particular meaning of Y and R₁₆ or R₁₇. Either form isuseful for the purposes of this invention since these isomers are usedin a reaction with compounds of formula III, infra, and either theacyclic form of formula IIa or the cyclic hemiketal form of formula IIbis useful for this purpose. A particular advantage of the cyclic form isits greater stability as compared with the acyclic form and also ascompared with the vinyl ketones of formula II. In order to obtain thecyclic form it is essential that in the compound of formula IIa, V ishydrogen. Acidic conditions shift the equilibrium away from the cyclicform. Use of an optically active amine, e.g., α-phenylethylamine, offersthe advantage of resolving the compound, for example, via saltformation, e.g., the oxalate salt, to give an optically pure isomer offormula IIa or IIb which is then used either in the form of the freebase, as the salt or as a lower alkanol adduct, e.g., methanol adduct inthe remainder of the reaction sequence of this invention and whencoupled with the unique asymmetric induction and preservation of opticalspecificity thereof offers a facile route to optically pure steroidalmaterials.

As is indicated above, the 7-hydroxy group of the 7-hydroxydodecanone offormula II or IIa can be esterified or etherified for the condensationreaction with the cycloalkanedione. These reactions can be effected inknown manner. For example, the 7-hydroxyalkan-3-one can be reacted witha carboxylic acid or an acid chloride to produce an ester, or can beconverted to an ether by either (1) preferably, known acid catalyzedetherifications, e.g., with isobutylene or dihydropyran or (2)conversion of the 7-hydroxyalken-3-one to its sodium salt followed byreaction of the salt with an alkyl halide. In the event R₈ is hydrogen,this hydroxyl group is also etherified or esterified.

The starting material of formula II or variant thereof can either beused in racemic form or in optically active form. When used in opticallyactive form, the 7S-antipode is preferred for reasons more fullyexplained below.

The second reactant employed in the condensation as generally mentionedabove is a 2-(lower alkyl)cycloalkane-1,3-dione of the formula:##SPC10##

wherein R₁ and m are as defined above. These compounds are knowncompounds and description of their synthesis is accordingly unnecessary.Suitable compounds include 2-methylcyclopentane-1,3-dione,2-ethylcyclopentane-1,3-dione, 2-propylcyclopentane-1,3-dione,2-butylcyclopentane-1,3-dione, 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, and thelike.

The conditions for the condensation of ketone (II) or variant (IIa orIIb) with cyclic dione (III) are not narrowly critical, although it ispreferred, particularly when the acyclic ketone is charged as the vinylketone, that a non-oxidizing atmosphere, e.g., nitrogen or argon, beemployed. It is further preferred that an antioxidant, for example,phenolic compounds such as hydroquinone, be present. Furthermore, thereaction can be conducted in the absence or presence of acid or basepromoters. Suitable basic promoters include those heretofore known topromote the Michael condensation, including inorganic bases, forexample, alkali metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide or potassiumhydroxide, and organic bases, including alkali metal alkoxides, forexample, sodium or potassium methoxide or ethoxide, and ammoniumhydroxides, particularly benzyltrialkylammonium hydroxide. A preferredclass of base promoters are the amines, especially tertiary amines andmost preferably pyridine-type compounds such as pyridine and thepicolines. Acid promoters which can be employed include organiccarboxylic acids such as acetic acid or benzoic acid; organic sulfonicacids such as p-toluenesulfonic acid; and mineral acids such as sulfuricacid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and the like. The amount ofpromoter employed is not narrowly critical and can vary from catalyticamounts to molar amounts.

The ratio of ketone (II) or variant (IIa or IIb) to cyclic dione (III)is not narrowly critical, although approximately equimolar amounts arepreferred. Although there is no particular advantage to the use ofexcesses of either reactant, the cycloalkanedione can be more readilyemployed in excess because, due to its general low solubility in knownorganic solvents, unreacted cycloalkanedione can be easily recoveredfrom the reaction mixture.

The reaction temperature is not critical and can vary from roomtemperature or below to reflux temperature or higher. The condensationis preferably conducted in the presence of an inert solvent to insure afluid reaction mixture and uniform reaction temperatures. Suitablesolvents include tertiary alcohols such as tert.-butanol; aliphatic andaromatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, hexane, octane, benzene,xylene, toluene, and the like; ethers such as diethyl ether,tetrahydrofuran, and the like; chlorinated hydrocarbons such as carbontetrachloride, chloroform, and the like; as well as dipolar aproticsolvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and the N,N-disubstituted amidessuch as dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide.

The product of the condensation, depending upon the nature of vinylketone or variant (II, IIa or IIb) and/or the reaction promoteremployed, can be one or more of the compounds having the formulae:##SPC11##

wherein R₁, R₁₁, R₁₂, V, Y, and m are as defined above.

When vinyl ketone (II) is a 7-alkoxy- or 7-acyloxy compound, the productwill be a compound of formula IV. However, when the vinyl ketone is a7-hydroxy compound, or the reaction conditions are sufficient to converta 7-alkoxy- or 7-acyloxy group, if present, the product will depend uponthe promoter.

When the promoter is an acid or a relatively weak base, such aspyridine, or when no promoter is employed at all, the reaction productobtained from the 7-hydroxy vinyl ketone is the diene, i.e., tricyclicenol ether (Ia-1). When a strong base, such as sodium or potassiumhydroxide, is employed as a promoter, a crystalline product having theformula VI is isolated, although compounds of formulae IV and V are alsopresent in the reaction mixture. However, the compounds of formulae IV,V and VI, upon treatment with an acid, such as acetic acid,para-toluenesulfonic acid, or sulfuric acid, readily form the diene,i.e., tricyclic enol ether (Ia-1). It should also be noted that theconversion of the acyloxy or alkoxy groups of compound (IV) to a hydroxygroup in an acidic medium is accompanied by cyclization to enol ether(Ia-1).

The condensation of a vinyl ketone of formula II or a variant thereof offormula IIa or IIb with a cycloalkanedione of formula III is one of thekey features of this reaction. It is in this condensation that specificstereochemical induction at one member of the critical C/D-ring junctionof the eventual steroidal product occurs. Thus, this invention isparticularly advantageous in that it involves a unique asymmetricinduction. Thus, the products of the condensation, i.e., the dienones offormula Ia-1, have at least two asymmetric centers at positions 3 and 6apermitting theoretically of two racemates or four optical antipodes.However, as a result of the condensation of this invention, when using aracemic starting material of formulas II, IIa or IIb wherein R₁₁ and R₁₂are both hydrogen only a single racemate of formula Ia-1 results andwhen using an optically active starting material of formulas II, IIa orIIb wherein R₁₁ and R₁₂ are both hydrogen only a single optical antipodeof formula Ia-1 results. It has further been found that when startingwith a compound of formula II or IIa with a 7S-stereoconfiguration or offormula IIb with corresponding stereoconfiguration there is obtained themore desirable optical antipode of formula Ia-1 having a6aβ-stereoconfiguration. Thus, to prepare steroidal materials having themore desired 13β-stereoconfiguration by the synthesis of this inventionone can either start with the antipode of formula II, IIa or IIb, whichcan be prepared by resolving a racemic compound of formula II, IIa orIIb, or one can resolve at some intermediate stage subsequent to thecondensation with a cycloalkanedione of formula III or one can resolvethe end-product steroidal material. In any event, the unique asymmetricinduction concurrent to the condensation of this invention renders theobtention of a single optical antipode as an end-product more facile.The simultaneous formation of the dienol ether of formula Ia-1 withunique asymmetric induction is a special advantage of this invention.

The dienes of formula Ia in the presence of water and acid, e.g.,sulfuric acid in acetone, aqueous acetic acid or aqueous hydrochloricacid in dioxane, undergo acid hydrolysis to form indenones of theformula ##SPC12##

wherein R₁, R₁₁, R₁₂, Y and m have the same meaning as above. Theindenones of formula Ia' are themselves convertible to compounds offormula Ia via dehydration, for example, via acid catalyzed azeotropicdistillation in benzene. Suitable acid catalysts are p-toluenesulfonicacid, potassium bisulfate, boron trifluoride etherate and the like. Thisreversible hydrolysis of compounds of formula Ia is useful in theirpreparation and purification. Thus, in instances where the directpurification of compounds of formula Ia is difficult it is often morefacile to hydrolyze the compound of formula Ia to a compound of formulaIa' which can then be purified, for example, by chromatography, andsubsequently be reconverted to the desired amount compound of formula Iavia dehydration.

The ketodienes of formula Ia-1 are readily converted to thecorresponding 7β-alcohols and their esters as represented by theformula: ##SPC13##

wherein Y, R₁, R₇, R₁₁, R₁₂ and m are as previously defined, by thesequence of reactions comprising reduction of the ketone to the alcoholand, if desired, subsequent esterification.

The reduction can be effected by any of the known methods for thechemical reduction of a ketone, e.g., by reaction of dienone (Ia-1) withan alkali metal or Group III-metal reducing agent. By the term "alkalimetal, " as employed herein, is meant a Group I-metal having an atomicnumber of from 3 to 19, inclusive, i.e., lithium, sodium, and potassium.Group III-metals include those having atomic numbers of from 5 to 13,inclusive, i.e., boron and aluminum. Illustrative examples of thesereducing agents include an alkali metal, preferably lithium or sodium,in liquid ammonia or a liquid aliphatic amine; tri(loweralkoxy)-aluminum compounds such as triisopropoxyaluminum; di(loweralkyl)-aluminum hydrides such as diethylaluminum hydride anddiisobutyl-aluminum hydride; alkali metal-Group III-metal complexhydrides such as lithium aluminum hydride, sodium aluminum hydride, andsodium borohydride tri(lower alkoxy)alkali metal-Group III-metal complexhydrides such as trimethoxy lithium aluminum hydride and tributoxylithium aluminum hydride; diisobutyl aluminum hydride and the like. Thealkali metal-Group III-metal complex hydrides are preferred as reducingagents, with the nonalkaline reagents, such as lithium aluminum hydride,being especially preferred.

This reaction is effected in any suitable inert reaction medium, such ashydrocarbons, e.g., cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, and xylene; ethers,e.g., diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, and tetrahydrofuran. Proticsolvents, such as water or alcohols, should not be employed when lithiumaluminum hydride is the reducing agent, but can be employed with sodiumborohydride.

The remaining reaction conditions are not narrowly critical, although itis generally preferred to effect the reduction at reduced temperatures,i.e., below about room temperature (about 20°-25°C.). Temperatures inthe range of from about 0°C. to about room temperature are normallyemployed.

The free alcohol is recovered from the reaction mixture after treatmentof the mixture with acid. The alcohol can be esterified in known manner,for example, by base-catalyzed reaction with a carboxylic acid halide orcarboxylic acid anhydride. Illustrative bases include inorganic basessuch as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and organic bases suchas a sodium alkox or an amine, especially a tertiary amine, and moreparticularly, pyridine and the picolines.

The ketodienes of formula Ia-1 can also be converted to their7β-hydroxy-7α-hydrocarbyl derivatives represented by the formula:##SPC14##

wherein Y, R₁, R₆, R₁₁, R₁₂ and m are as previously defined and R₁₃ islower hydrocarbyl by reaction of the ketodiene with a Grignard reagentof the formula:

    R.sub.13 MgX VII

wherein R₁₃ is as previously defined and X is a halogen having an atomicnumber of from 17 to 35, inclusive (i.e., chlorine or bromine).

This Grignard reaction is conducted in known manner. For example, theGrignard reagent is prepared by reacting a hydrocarbyl halide withmagnesium in an ether reaction medium, for example, ethyl ether ortetrahydrofuran, at elevated temperature, generally in the range of fromabout 40°C. to about 75°C. The ketodiene (Ia-1) is then added to theGrignard solution at about room temperature, although higher or lowertemperatures can be employed. The resulting reaction product ishydrolyzed to produce the free alcohol, which can be esterified asdiscussed above.

Alternatively, the alcohols can be prepared by reaction of ketodiene(Ia-1) with a hydrocarbyl alkali metal compound such as methyl lithium,sodium acetylide, potassium acetylide, and the like.

The second step of the general synthesis of the tricyclic compounds ofthis invention comprises conversion of the dienes of formula Ia to themonoenes of formula Ib by catalytic hydrogenation. Suitable catalystsinclude the noble metals, such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, and thelike, as well as Raney nickel and other hydrogenation catalysts. Thesecatalysts can be employed in the form of the metal alone, or can bedeposited on suitable support materials, such as carbon, alumina,calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, and the like. Palladium and rhodiumare preferred as catalysts. The hydrogenation is preferably conducted inthe presence of inert solvents such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers,and the like. The reaction conditions of pressure and temperature arenot narrowly critical, and normally a hydrogen pressure of about oneatmosphere and a temperature of about room temperature was employed.These ambient conditions are generally preferred to avoid significanthydrogenation of the 4a,9b(10b)-double bond, although more severeconditions, for example, up to about 100°C. and up to about 100atmospheres, can be employed if desired. The hydrogenation medium can beacidic, neutral, or basic, as may be desired, although neutral media,such as hydrocarbons, e.g., toluene or hexane, or basic media, such asan alcohol-base, e.g., methanol-sodium hydroxide, mixture are preferredfor best results. In general, hydrogenation of the diene of formula Ialeads to the corresponding monoene of formula Ib. However, in the eventR₈ is an unsaturated hydrocarbyl radical, the hydrogenation, in additionto hydrogenating the ring double bond, also hydrogenates the7α-hydrocarbyl substituent, converting it to an alkyl group.

Via the aforesaid catalytic hydrogenation C/D-trans compounds are formedin a major proportion when hydrogenating a diene of formula Ia-2. Thismethod thus provides an advantageous synthesis of C/D-trans steroidalmaterials. When hydrogenating a diene of formula Ia-1, C/D-cis compoundsare formed in a major proportion. This method thus provides anadvantageous synthesis of C/D-cis steroidal materials.

Compounds wherein Z is carbonyl as represented by the formula: ##SPC15##

wherein Y, R₁, R₁₁, R₁₂ and m are as previously defined,

can be converted to the corresponding alcohols or esters of the formula:##SPC16##

wherein Y, R₁, R₇, R₁₁, R₁₂ and m are as previously defined, or to the7β-hydroxy-7α-hydrocarbyl compounds of the formula: ##SPC17##

wherein Y, R₁, R₇, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and m are as previously defined,

by the techniques discussed above regarding the dienes of formula Ia.

When Z is carbonyl and the hydrogenation is effected under basicconditions, there is a tendency toward the production of predominantlythe 6a/9a(10a)-cis-compound; that is, the hydrogen atom in the9a(10a)-position of formula Io-1 is predominantly in the β-orientation.When these compounds are intended as intermediates for the synthesis ofsteroids having the C/D-trans-orientation, this technique is notparticularly desirable. Although the ratio of β- to α-orientation fallsto about 1:1 at neutral conditions when hydrogenating a compound whereinZ is carbonyl, it is preferred to hydrogenate a 7β-alcohol or ester offormula Ia-2 because the products of this hydrogenation arepredominantly the 6a/9a(10a)trans-compounds. Compounds of formula Ia-3when subjected to the hydrogenation yield a ratio of β- to α-orientationin between that of the compounds of formula Ia-1 and that of thecompounds of formula Ia-2. When monoenes of formula Ib-1 havingC/D-trans configuration are desired, it is preferable to first reducethe dienone of formula Ia-1 to a corresponding hydroxy compound offormula Ia-2 prior to the catalytic hydrogenation. Following thecatalytic hydrogenation the carbonyl moiety in formula Ib-1 can beregenerated by conventional means, such as oxidation with CrO₃.

The monoene compounds of formula Ib prepared by the abovedescribedhydrogenation contain at least three asymmetric center at positions 3,6a and 9a when m is one and at positions 3, 6a and 10a when m is two.With respect to these three centers there are thus eight antipodalconfigurations possible. By virtue of the unique asymmetric induction ofthis invention, proceeding from a racemic starting material of formulaII, IIa or IIb only four of these antipodes of formula Ib are preparedand proceeding from an optically active starting material of formula II,IIa or IIb only two of these antipodes of formula Ib are prepared.Moreover, by the above-described hydrogenation of this invention and byappropriate selection of the 7-substituent in the diene of formula Iasubjected to the hydrogenation there can predominantly be prepared thedesired 6a,9a(10a)-trans-stereo configuration. Thus, the eventualobtention of the more desired 13β-C/D-trans-configuration in theultimate steroidal products is rendered more facile by thestereoselective reactions provided by this invention.

The final reaction of applicant's general process for the compounds ofthis invention is the conversion of the monoene of formula Ib to theperhydro compound of formula Ic by reaction of the monoene with acompound having the formula:

    R.sub.2 OH VIII

wherein R₂ is as previously defined. That is, the monoene of formula Ibis reacted with water, a primary alcohol, or a carboxylic acid. Thisreaction is catalyzed by mineral or organic acids, for example,hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, para-toluenesulfonicacid, and the like. Sulfuric acid is the preferred acid catalyst, andwater the preferred reactant. Although not necessary, it is desirable toconduct this reaction in the presence of an added solvent, particularlyin the event the compound of formula VIII is water. In this case, it isdesirable to employ a solvent which is both miscible with water and asolvent for the monoene of formula Ib. Solvents of this nature includeacetone. tert.butanol, dioxane, and the like. The reaction temperatureis not critical, and ambient temperature is normally employed, althoughhigher and lower temperatures could be employed if desired.

As with the compounds of formulae Ia-1 and Ib-1, the compounds ofgeneral formula Ic wherein Z is carbonyl: ##SPC18##

wherein Y, R₁, R₂, R₁₁, R₁₂ and m are as previously defined are readilyconverted to their corresponding alcohols: ##SPC19##

wherein Y, R₁, R₂, R₇, R₁₁, R₁₂ and m are as previously defined,

or the β-hydroxy-α-hydrocarbyl compounds: ##SPC20##

wherein Y, R₁, R₂, R₆, R₁₁, R₁₃ and m are as previously defined,

by the previously described methods.

In a modification of the general technique outlined above, one cansimultaneously effect the hydrogenation and hydration steps, forexample, by hydrogenation of a diene of formula Ia in aqueous sulfuricacid. When this simultaneous hydrogenationhydroation reaction iseffected, it is preferred to begin with a diene having a hydroxyl groupin the 7β-position.

As indicated above, the tricyclic compounds which form part of thepresent invention are useful as intermediates for the preparation ofvarious steroid compounds, particularly 19-norsteroids of the normalseries, as illustrated by the following reaction scheme. ##SPC21##

wherein R₁, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₄, R₁₅, Y, Z and m are as above.

In the first step of this reaction scheme, the compound of formula Ic isoxidized to form bicyclic compound of the formula X by contact with suchoxidizing agents as chromic acid, potassium dichromate, or potassiumpermanganate. Jones reagent (chromic acid, sulfuric acid and acetone),or a chromic acid-acetic acid mixture are preferred as oxidizing agents.The nature of Z is unchanged in this reaction, except when Z ishydroxymethylene [--CH(OH)-]. In this instance, unless the hydroxylgroup is protected, as by formation of a lower acyl ester, it isoxidized to form a carbonyl group. A hydroxylated product is readilyobtained, however, by hydrolysis of a product ester. The reactiontemperature is not narrowly critical, and temperatures in the range offrom 0°C. to about 75°C. are suitable, although ambient temperatures arepreferred.

In the second step, bicyclic compound (X) is treated with acid or baseto effect cyclization to (XI). In this reaction, it is preferred thatthe water of reaction be removed, as by refluxing the reaction mixturewith an azeotroping agent in the presence of a strong acid andseparating the water from the condensate. Suitable strong acids aresulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, potassium bisulfate and the like.Alternatively, base catalyzed dehydration can be utilized, for example,by refluxing compound (X) in the presence of methanolic sodiumhydroxide.

The hydrogenation of cyclo-olefin XI is preferably effected with a noblemetal catalyst, e.g., a palladium-charcoal catalyst or a rhodiumcatalyst. Mild conditions are generally employed, e.g., room temperatureand atmospheric pressure are convenient conditions for this reaction.The hydrogenated compound of formula XIa is converted to the desired19-nor-steroid of formula XII by heating it, preferably at reflux, withdilute aqueous acid, preferably a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acidin a lower alkanol solvent medium, preferably methanol.

Compounds of formula XI wherein Z is carbonyl can be converted intocorresponding pregnane compounds i.e., compounds in which Z is of theformula ##EQU4## by known procedures. Thus, for example,19-nor-14β-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione can be converted into19-nor-14β,17α-progesterone. These procedures for convertingandrost-17-ones into pregnanes are best effected if all carbonyl groupsother than that in the 17-position are initially protected.

As has been pointed out above, the products of this invention areproduced in the form of various optically active antipodes which can becarried through the entire reaction sequence, or which can be resolvedat suitable places during the reaction sequence. For example, at anystage wherein a compound having a secondary hydroxyl group is present,such as hydroxytetrahydropyran (IV), or any of the hydroxy compounds offormula I, one can react the secondary alcohol with a dicarboxylic acidto form a half-ester. Suitable dicarboxylic acids include lower alkyldicarboxylic acids such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid,glutamic acid, adipic acid, or aromatic carboxylic acids such asphthalic acid. The resulting half-ester is then reacted with anoptically active base, such as brucine, ephedrine, or quinine, toproduce a diastereomeric salt. The salts, after separation, are thenreadily reconverted to optically active alcohols. As an alternative, thesecondary alcohol can be reacted with an optical active acid, forexample, camphorsulfonic acid. The resulting diastereomeric esters arethen separated and reconverted to the alcohols.

It is preferred that the resolution be effected at some stag in thesynthesis of alken-3-one, as by the above-mentioned resolution ofhydroxytetrahydropyran (IV). In a more preferred technique opticallyactive 5-alkyl-5-valerolactone is obtained from 5-alkyl5-oxopentanoicacid via known microbiological processes. The S-form of this lactone isthe preferred form for use in accordance with this invention. In a thirdmethod, the racemic lactone can be hydrolyzed to the correspondinghydroxy acid, which is then resolved by treatment with an opticallyactive base in the manner described above. Still other methods will beapparent to those skilled in the art. Resolution at such early stages inthe overall process described herein is highly preferred because of theimproved efficiency in the production of steroids having a desiredstereo-configuration. Because the stereo-configuration is retainedthroughout the synthesis of alken-3-one (II), and further because thecondensation of alken-3-one or variant (II, IIa or IIb) withcycloalkanedione (III) is stereo-specific, one, by proper selection ofstereo-isomers at these early stages, can ensure that substantially allof the tricyclic compounds of this invention and the steroids derivedtherefrom have a selected stereo-configuration. Thus, by this technique,the production of compounds of the undesired configuration is minimizedor prevented entirely, with an attendant increase in the efficiency ofthe production of compounds of the desired configuration.

In the claims, all compounds shall be construed to include,independently, the racemic form of the compound and independently, eachenantiomeric form, i.e., the d and l configurations unless specificallyindicated otherwise.

The following examples are illustrative. All temperatures are in degreeCentigrade and all products having centers of asymmetry are racemicunless specifically indicated otherwise.

EXAMPLE 1 (±)-9,9-Ethylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone

25 G. of the hemiacetal, (±)-6-[3-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2yl)propyl]tetrahydropyran-2-ol was dissolved in a mixture of dimethylformamide(DMF) acetic acid- water-sodium acetate (anhydrous) (250 ml; 120 ml. H₂O/120 ml DMF/40 ml AcOH/24 g. NaOAc). Bromine (7 ml.) was then added tothe cold (5°-10°) solution over 2-5 min. and the mixture was thenstirred for a further 45 min. at room temperature. Aqueous sodiumbisulphite solution and brine were then added and the organic productswere isolated with benzene (5 × 125 ml.). The benzene extracts werewashed with saturated brine solution (5 × 50 ml.) and then taken todryness in vacuo. The crude lactone,(±)-9,9-ethylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone yielded purematerial on distillation bp 138-140/.02 mm.

In another experiment the hemiacetal,(±)-6-[3-(2-methyl1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)propyl] tetrahydropyran-2-ol gavethe lactone, (±)-9,9-ethylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone, b.p.141°-145°/.3 mm.

The starting material may be prepared as follows:

A solution of 2,2-ethylenedioxy-5-chloropentane in tetrahydrofuran (THF)(50 ml; 164 g. in 1600 ml. THF) was added to magnesium (38 g.) activatedwith a crystal of iodine. This mixture was stirred and heated at refluxuntil the reaction commenced. The rest of the chloroketal solution wasthen added over approximately 1 hr. to sustain gentle reflux. Aftercomplete addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for afurther 2 hr.

A solution of freshly distilled glutaraldehyde (110 g.) in THF (1000ml.) cooled to -40° was treated with the above Grignard reagent (asrapidly as possible) and then stirred 30 min at -30° and a further 1 hr.at 0°. Aqueous ammonia chloride solution (300 ml; 25 percent) was thenadded and the products were isolated with ether. Removal of the solventsin vacuo gave the product as a mobile liquid (185 g.). This material wasstirred at 50° with aqyeous sodium sulfite solution (1500 ml; 20percent) and the pH was adjusted first to pH 6.5 with acetic acid andthen pH 7.5 with sodium hydroxide solution (20 percent). The aqueousphase after stirring for 1 hr. at 50° was extracted with ether and thentreated with caustic soda solution (20 .percent) to pH 12. Extractionwith benzene then furnished the hemiacetal (±)-6-[3-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)propyl]tetrahydropyran-2-ol (118 g.) as amobile, pale yellow liquid. A sample was distilled (molecular still) togive a colorless product, b.p. 130°-132°/.1 mm.

EXAMPLE 2 (±)-9-Oxo-5-hydroxydecanoic acid lactone

52.4 G. of the ketal lactone, (±)-9,9-ethylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoicacid lactone dissolved in acetone (150 ml.) was treated with water (75ml.), dilute aqueous sulphuric acid (2N; 45 ml.) and left to stand atroom temperature for 16 hr. Addition of brine and extraction withbenzene gave the crude lactone, (±)-9-oxo-5-hydroxydecanoic acid lactonewhich on distillation yielded pure material > 98 percent pure by vpc bp134°/.05 mm.

EXAMPLE 3 (±)-9,9-Phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone

15 G of a solution of the ketolactone (±)-9-oxo-5-hydroxydecanoic acidlactone in benzene (300 ml.) was treated with 20 g. catechol and 0.6 g.p-toluenesulphonic acid (PTS). The mixture was heated at reflux undernitrogen in conjunction with a soxhlet extraction apparatus equippedwith a thimble filled with calcium hydride. After 18 hr. at reflux themixture was cooled and chromatographed directly on silica gel (0.2-0.5mm mesh; 650 g.). Elution with 5%, 10% and 15% ethyl acetate-benzenemixtures yielded the ketal ester.

Distillation of the above material gave catechol and the desiredlactone, (±)-9,9-phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone, bp152°-170°/.2 mm. (This was a short path distillation and the majority ofthe material had bp 157°-162°). A sample of this material wasredistilled (Kugel Rhor) and gave material, bp 140°-54°/.02 mm.

EXAMPLE 4(±)-6-(4,4-Phenylenedioxypentyl)-2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol

1.6 G. of the ketal lactone, (±)-9,9-phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy decanoicacid lactone in tetrahydrofuran (THF; 15 ml.) was cooled to -45° andtreated over 5 min. with a solution of vinyl magnesium chloride in THF(4.6 ml; 2 mol/liter). After stirring a further 25 min. at -45°,methanol (5 ml.) was added followed by an aqueous ammonium chloridesolution (15 percent; 20 ml.). The products were extracted into etherand the ether extracts then treated with diethylamine (5 ml.) and driedover magnesium sulphate. Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave the crudeMannich base which was separated from neutral material with diluteaqueous acid (1N.H₂ SO₄ ; 4 × 15 ml.). The aqueous extracts were madebasic with caustic potash solution and the products isolated with ether.Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave the Mannich base,(±)-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-olas a mobile liquid.

This material showed one spot in tlc analysis on development with abenzene/triethylamine (9:1) system.

EXAMPLE 5(±)-3-(4,4-Phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7(8H)-one

10.6 G. of the Mannich base, (±)-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol in toluene (80 ml.) wasadded rapidly to a refluxing solution of 2-methylcyclopentan-1,3-dione(4.7 g.) in toluene (50 ml.), acetic acid (23.2 ml.) and pyridine (7.2ml.) under nitrogen. After heating at reflux for a total of 4 hr.(reaction followed by tlc) the mixture was cooled, diluted with toluene(100 ml.) and extracted with water (4 × 50 ml.), saturated aqueoussodium bicarbonate solution (1 × 50 ml.), brine (1 × 50 ml.) and driedover MgSO₄. Removal of the solvents in vacuo yielded the crudecrystalline dienoleter, (±)-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl 6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7(8H) one,m.p. 115°-120°. A sample of this material was recrystallized frombenzene-hexane mixture to give pure material mp 126°-129°.

EXAMPLE 6 (±)-3-(4,4-Phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8octahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7±-ol

10.7 G. of the crude dienolether,(±)-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7(8H)-onedissolved in THF/ether (100 ml; 1:1) was added to a slurry of lithiumaluminum hydride (4 g.) in a THF/ether mixture (400 ml; 1:1) cooled inan ice-salt bath (temp. held at ˜3°). After complete addition themixture was stirred for a further 10 min. at -5° and 13/4 hr. at roomtemperature (followed by tlc). Wet ether (100 ml.) was then addedfollowed by a saturated aqueous solution of sodium sulphate (25 ml.).The coagulate salts were then filtered off, washed with THF and thefiltrate was dried over MgSO. Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave thecrude alcohol,(±)-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8-octahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7β-ol.

EXAMPLE 7 (±)-3-(4,4-Phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9adecahydrocyclopenta[ f][1]benzopyran-7β-ol

11.2 G. of the crude dienoleter alcohol,(±)-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8-octahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7β-ol(this still contains some solvent) was dissolved in toluene (100 ml.)treated with 2 g. of a 5% Pd/C catalyst and hydrogenated at roomtemperature and pressure. After 51/2hr. the uptake of hydrogen stopped(635 ml; theory 700 ml. at room temperature and pressure for 10.7 g.)and the solids were filtered off and washed with toluene. Removal of thesolvents in vacuo gave the enol ether,(±)-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta [f][1]benzopyran-7β-ol, as an oil.

EXAMPLE 8(±)-4-(3-Oxo-7,7-phenylenedioxyoctyl)-1a,β-methyl-perhydroindan1,5-dione

10.76 G. of the crude enol ether,(±)-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7β-oldissolved in acetone (210 ml.) was treated with aqueous sulphuric acidsolution (50 ml; .5N) and left at room temperature for 2 hr. (followedby tlc). Dilution with ether (500 ml.) and washing with brine (5 × 100ml.) and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (1 × 50 ml.) [allaqueous extracts were backwashed with ether (1 × 100 l.)] gave thehemiketal,(±)3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6aβ-methyl-4-hydroxyperhydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran7β-olas a glass.

This material was virtually pure by tlc and showed no enol ether band inthe ir. The strong hydroxyl bands at 3450 and 3757 cm. and thecharacteristic catechol-ketal bands were most pronounced. 10.37 G. ofthis crude hydration product, was dissolved in acetone (200 ml.) cooledin an ice bath and treated at 0°-5° with fresh Jones.sup.(5) and chromicacid mixture (20 ml.) over 10 min. After stirring a further 11/2 hr. atroom temperature, aqueous sodium bisulphite solution (100 ml; 10%) andbrine (100 ml) were added and the organic materials were isolated withbenzene (4 × 200 ml.). The benzene extract was washed with brine andaqueous sodium carbonate solution (10%) to give the neutral triketone,(±)-4-(3-oxo-7,7-phenylenedioxyoctyl)-1a,β-methyl-perhydroindan1,5-dioneas a pale yellow liquid. This material showed one major spot on tlc andhad bands in the ir spectrum (film) at 1730 cm⁻¹ (cyclopentanone, 1705cm⁻¹ (saturated carbonyl) and 1480, 1240 and 730 cm⁻¹ (catechol ketal).

EXAMPLE 9(±)-6-(3,3-Phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,β-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7(2H,8H)-dione

8.6 G. of a solution of the crude triketone,(±)-4-(3-oxo7,7-phenylenedioxyoctyl)-1a,β-methyl-perhydroindan-1,5-dionein methanol (250 ml.) containing 1 g. of potassium hydroxide was heatedat reflux, under nitrogen, for 1 hr. (followed by ir). Benzene (500 ml.)was added and the mixture was extracted with dilute aqueous sulphuricacid (3 × 50 ml .5N), saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (1 × 100ml.), brine and then dried over MgSO₄ (note: all aqueous extracts werebackwashed with benzene). Removal of the solvents in vacuo furnished thecrude tricyclic material,(±)-6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,β-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7(2H,8H)-dione as a semi-solid. Thismaterial was digested with ethanol (50 ml.) to give the crystallinematerial, mp 166°-170°.

A sample of this material was recrystallized from ethanol to yield purecolorless crystals, m.p. 173°-175°.

EXAMPLE 10 (±)-19-Nor-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione

4.01 G. of crude(±)-6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,βmethyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7(2H,8H)-dionewas dissolved in THF (45 ml.) containing triethylamine (.8 ml.) and 400mg. of a 5 percent Pd/C catalyst and hydrogenated at room temperatureand pressure. After 6 hr., the uptake of hydrogen ceased (280 ml.consumed; theory 285 ml/RTP). The solids were filtered off, washed withTHF and the filtrate was taken to dryness in vacuo. The crudehydrogenation product(±)-6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,β-methyl-4,5,5a,6,8,9,9a,9boctahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7-(2H,8H)-dione(some solvent residue) showed bands in the ir spectrum (film) at 1705cm⁻ ¹ (cyclohexane), 1735 cm⁻ ¹ (cyclopentanone) nad 1480, 1240 and 740cm⁻ ¹ (catechol ketal) and was virtually one spot material on tlc. 4.3G. of this crude hydrogenation material was dissolved in methanol (70ml.) and 35 ml. of 4N HC1 and the solution was heated at reflux for 6hr. (followed by tlc and ir). The mixture was cooled, treated withbenzene (200 ml.) and extracted with aqueous caustic soda solution (1N;3 × 100 ml.) and brine (2 × 50 ml.). (All aqueous extracts werebackwashed with benzene). Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave crude19-nor-androst-4-en-3,17-dione which on crystallization fromdichloromethane/isopropyl ether mixture yielded pure(±)-19-nor-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, m.p. 155°-157°, identical in allrespects with authentic (±-19-nor-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, mp. mx mp.tlc, ir, and uv.

EXAMPLE 11 (±)3-(4,4-Phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-ethyl-1,2,3,5,6,6ahexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7(8H)-one

(±)2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol(3.8 g.) in toluene (20 ml.) was added to a refluxing solution of2-ethylcyclopentan-1,3-dione (2 g.) in toluene (40 ml.) and acetic acid(20 ml.) and heated at reflux for 1 hour.

Isolation of the organic materials with toluene gave pure (±)3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-ethyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopeneta[f][1]benzopyran-7(8H)-one(2.95 g.) after chromatography on alumina. Uv. (EtOH) λ max 252 mμ.(εmax 16,000) Calcd. for C₂₅ H₃₀ O₄ : C, 76.11; H, 7.67; Found C,75.68;H, 7.83.

EXAMPLE 12 (±)6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,β-ethyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9bhexahydro-1H-benz[e]inden-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione

Crude (±)3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-ethyl1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7(8H)-one(47 g., dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (200 ml.) was added to a cold(-10°) slurry of lithium aluminum hydride (6 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (200ml.).

After stirring for 2 hours at room temperature, saturated aqueous sodiumsulfate solution was added (40 ml.) and the solids were filtered off.

Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave racemic3-(4,4phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-ethyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8-octahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7β-olas an oil (51 g.). Ir.(film) 3400(OH); 1640 dienol ether); 1450, 1240and 730 cm⁻ ¹ catechol ketal.

The above crude material was dissolved in toluene, treated with Pd/C(5%; 5 g.) and hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure until thehydrogen uptake stopped (approximately 30 hours).

The solids were filtered off and the solvents reemoved in vacuo to yieldcrude (±)trans3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-ethyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7β-olas an oil (48 g.). Ir. (CHC1₃) 3425 and 3580(OH) 1480 cm⁻ ¹ (catecholketal).

The above material was dissolved in acetone (500 ml.) treated withdilute aqueous sulfuric acid (0.5 N; 50 ml.) and left to stand at roomtemperature for 2 hours. The solution was then cooled to 5° and treatedover 30 minutes with fresh Jones chromic acid reagent (125 ml.). Themixture was then stirred for a further 2 hours at room temperature andthen quenched with aqueous sodium bisulfite solution (20%; 50 ml.).

Isolation of the organic materials with benzene and extration withaqueous sodium carbonate solution gave racemictrans-4-(3-oxo-7,7-phenylenedioxyoctyl)-1a,.sub.β-ethyl-perhydroindane-1,5-dione(34.4 g.) after removal of the organic solvents in vacuo. I.R. (Film)11735 (cyclopentanone); 1708 (cyclohexanone and straight chain ketone);1480; 1275 and 740 cm⁻ ¹ (catechol ketal).

The crude bicycle material (34.4 g.) was dissolved in methanol (110 ml.)and added to a reflux solution of potassium hydroxide (3.5 g.) inmethanol (200 ml.).

After 1 hour at reflux the organic materials were isolated with benzeneand chromatography on silica gel (800 g.) gave racemic6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,β-ethyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9bhexahydro-1H-benz[e]inden-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione(20 g.) as an oil. I.R. (CHC1₃) 1735 (cyclopentanone); 1663 and 1600(cyclohexanone); 1480 cm⁻ ¹ (catechol ketal).

EXAMPLE 13 (±)-13β-ethylgon-4-en-3,17-dione

Racemic6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,β-ethyl4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]inden-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione(20 g.) was dissolved in ethanol (250 ml.) containing triethylamine (2ml.) and Pd/C (5%; 4g.) and hydrogenated at room temperature andpressure until the uptake of hydrogen stopped to yield6-(3,3-phenylenedioxy)-3a,β-ethyl-4,5,5a,6,8,9,9a,9b-octahydro-1H-benz[e]indene3,7-(2H,8H)-dionein solution.

The solids were filtered off and dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (4N;200 ml.) was added and the mixture was heated at reflux for 5 hours.

The organic materials were isolated with benzene and the benzene extractwas then washed free of catechol with dilute aqueous caustic sodasolution.

Removal of the solvents in vacuo yielded a semisolid which oncrystallization from dichloromethane-isopropyl ether mixture yieldedpure racemic 13β-ethylgon-4-en-3,17-dione (6.3 g.) m.p. 159°-161°.

EXAMPLE 142R,6S-2[2-(R-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-ol and2S,6R-2[2-(R-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-ol

(±) 9,9-Phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy decanoic acid lactone (11.1 g.)dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (100 ml.) at -50° was treated with vinylchloride solution (39 ml.; 2 molar in T.H.F.) over 3 minutes. Themixture was then stirred at -45° for 25 minutes, quenched with methanol(10 ml.) and ammonium chloride solution (15%; 100 ml.) and extractedwith ether.

Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave the crude vinyl ketone as an oil.This material was dissolved in benzene (20 ml.) and treated with asolution of α-phenethylamine (3.9 g.) in benzene (20 ml.) and left atroom temperature for 3 hours.

The solvents were removed in vacuo and the residue extracted withhexane. This hexane extract was filtered through alumina (50 g.) to givethe mixture of diastereomeric bases (11 g.) as a liquid.

This material was dissolved in hexane and left to crystallize.Recrystallization yielded the pure2S,6R,2-[2-(R-αphenethylamino)ethyl]6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol,m.p. 72°-76°; ]α_(D) ]=+37° (c = 5, benzene).

The mother liquors from the first crystallization were taken to drynessand dissolved in acetone (25 ml.). This solution was added to oxalicacid (2 g.) in acetone (30 ml.) and left to crystallize.

Recrystallization of the solids from acetone yielded pure2R,6S,2-[2-(R-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-ol oxalate, m.p. 80°; [α_(D) ] = + 21° (c = 1.248,methanol).

EXAMPLE 153S,6aS,3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7(8H)-one

2S,6R-2[2-(R-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-ol (1.25 g.) in toluene (45 ml.) and aqueous aceticacid (18 ml.; 95%) was treated with pyridine (9 ml.) and2-methylcyclopentane-1,3-dione (0.5 g.) and heated at 110° for 7 hours.After this time the water was taken off with a Dean-Stark separator (˜45 minutes) and the mixture cooled.

Isolation of the materials with benzene and chromatography on aluminayielded the dienol ether.

Crystallization from hexane gave optically pure3S,6aS,3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7(8H)-one,m.p. 109°-112°, [α_(D) ] = -121° (c = 1.0, CHCl.sub. 3).

EXAMPLE 16 (+)-19-norandrost-4-en-3,17-dione

3R,6aS,3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7(8H-)onewas converted in good yield into the above-captioned product having amelting point of 172° using the procedure of Examples 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

EXAMPLE 17 (±)-6-(4,4-Phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol

Freshly distilled glutaraldehyde (100 g.) dissolved in dry THF (700 ml.)was cooled to -65° and treated rapidly with the cold (-20°) Grignardreagent over ˜30 min. (the temperature was held at -60° → -50°C. with adry ice acetone bath). The mixture was then allowed to warm up to roomtemperature (˜1 hr.) and then stirred a further 90 min. at roomtemperature (Note: sometimes on warming to room temperature an exothermsets in and cooling is required). The reaction mixture can be stored16-24 hr. at 5° or worked up after 90 min. at room temperature.

To work up, the reaction mixture was cooled to 5° and treated with anaqueous solution of ammonium chloride (150 ml; 25 percent). The solidswere filtered off, washed well with more THF and the THF was removed invacuo to yield the crude hemiacetal(±)-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl-tetrahydropyran-2-ol (270 g.). Thismaterial assayed for ˜75 percent purity by chromatography on silica gel.

The starting material may be prepared as follows:

A. PREPARATION OF THE GRIGNARD REAGENT

A total of 100 ml. of a solution of 2,2-phenylenedioxy-5-chloropentanein dry tetrahydrofuran obtained by adding 213 g. of the chloroketal to1.4 l. of THF distilled from calcium hydride was added to 28 g. ofmagnesium turnings activated with iodine under nitrogen.

The mixture was then heated to 36°-38° for ˜5 min. and then treated withdibromoethane (.5 ml.) In general, the reaction became mildly exothermicat this point and had to be cooled to maintain the temperature range of36°-38°C. After stirring 15-20 min. more, the rest of the chloroketalsolution was added over ˜1 hr. Again cooling was required. Afterstirring a further 45-60 min. the exotherm subsided and the mixture washeated to 36°-38° for a further 2 hours after which time virtually nostarting material remains.

The Grignard reagent can be stored under nitrogen at 5° for severaldays. The progress of the reaction was followed by vapor phasechromatography. Thus, an aliquot (.5 ml.) of the reaction mixture wasadded to aqueous ammonium chloride solution (2 ml; 15 percent) and ether(.5 ml.). The organic extract was then analyzed at 150°C. on an 8 foot ×1/4 inch column with 3 percent SE 30 silicone onn chom. w. (80-100)AW-DAKS.

B. PRODUCTION OF DRY GLUTARALDEHYDE

Aqueous glutaraldehyde solution (1 l.; 50 percent Union Carbide) wastreated with benzene (2 l.) cooled to 5° and dried with magnesiumsulfate (700 g.) for 15 min. The solution was then heated at reflux for1 hr. in conjunction with a Dean and Stark water separator. The solventswere then removed in vacuo (50° at 10 mm) and the residue distilled togive a center cut (315 g.) of dry glutaraldehyde, b.p. 80°-81°/˜10 mm.

EXAMPLE 18 (±)-9,9-Phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone

a. A solution of sodium hydroxide (91 g.) in water (225 ml.) was addedto silver nitrate (195 g.) dissolved in water (650 ml.) at roomtemperature and then the mixture was heated to 55°-60°. Methanol (1300ml.) was then added and the temperature fell to 45°. A solution of(±)-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol (107.7 g. crude)in methanol (150 ml.) was then added over 10 min. The temperature roseto 53° and after the initial exotherm the mixture was heated; withstirring, under nitrogen for a further 1 hr. The solids were filteredoff and washed well with a methanol-water mixture (1:1; 3 × 200 ml.).The filtrate was then extracted with toluene (500 ml.) acidified to pH 1with aqueous sulfuric acid (6N) and extracted with dichloromethane (4 ×500 ml.). Removal of the solvents in vacuo yielded a mixture of thelactone and hydroxy acid (83 g.). This material was dissolved in benzene(500 ml.) and treated with p-toluenesulfonic acid (2 g.) in more benzene(100 ml.). After standing for 1 hr. at room temperature the mixture waswashed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and the organic solventswere removed in vacuo to yield virtually pure lactone(±)-9,9-phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone (76 g.) (asestimated by tlc and ir).

b. The hemiacetal (±)-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2ol(1.77 g.) in ethyl acetate (100 ml.) containing platinum black (922 mg.)was stirred at room temperature under an atmosphere of oxygen for 48 hr.The solids were filtered off and the product(±)-9,9-phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone was isolated bydistillation (1.5 g.).

c. The crude hemiacetal(±)-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-ol (233 g.) dissolvedin toluene (1.2 l.) was added to a solution of sodium dichromatebishydrate (315 g.) in acetic acid (1.2 l.). The reaction mixture washeld at 35° with cooling until no longer exothermic (˜2 hrs.), and thenstirred ˜16 hrs. at room temperature. Water (2.5 l.) was added and thematerials were isolated with toluene (4 × 500 ml.). The combined tolueneextracts were washed with brine and distilled to give the lactone(±)-9,9-phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone (125 g.) ofmoderate purity (˜80 percent). A purer product was obtained when thetoluene layer was washed first with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution(44-46 percent yield vpc pure).

d. The crude hemiacetal(±)-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol (78 g.) in DMF(400 ml.) was added to a solution of bromine (30.5 ml.) in a buffermixture (640 ml.) (420 ml. H₂ O/480 DMF/160 ml. AcOH/160 g. NaOAc.2H₂ O)at 0°-5°C.

After stirring 1 hr. at room temperature, aqueous sodium bisulfite wasadded (250 ml; 15 percent) and the organic materials were isolated withbenzene. Removal of the solvents gave a brown colored oil which wasdissolved in methanol (500 ml.) and treated with potassium hydroxide (30g.) dissolved in water (300 ml.). After 30 min. at room temperature,water (500 ml.) was added and the mixture was extracted with ether. Theaqueous phase was acidified and extracted with methylene chloride.Removal of the solvents "in vacuo" and distillation of the residue (oiljacketed flask at 0.3 mm) gave the lactone(±)-9,9-phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone (29-33 g.). Thismaterial was contaminated by some aromatic-ring brominated material.

EXAMPLE 192S,6R-2-[2-(S-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-oloxalate

The lactone (±)-9,9-phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone (118g.) dissolved in THF (1 l.) was cooled to -70°C. under nitrogen. Asolution of vinyl magnesium chloride (315 ml; 2.28 molar) in THF wasadded over 6 min. (temp. held between -50° and -70°) and the mixture wasthen stirred a further 14 min. at -50. After this time the temperaturewas lowered to -65° and methanol (50 ml.) was added (3 min.) followed byaqueous ammonium chloride solution (500 ml; 10 percent). (Thetemperature rose to ˜-5°).

The products were then isolated with ether (5 × 500 ml.) and dried withMgSO₄. The solids were filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to˜200 ml. in vacuo at 40°-45°. The concentrate was treated with benzene(250 ml.) and a solution of (S)-αphenethylamine (51 g.) in benzene (150ml.) and kept at room temperature overnight (3-4 hr. will suffice;slight cooling is initially required). The solvents were taken todryness and the residue (193 g.) was extracted with boiling hexane (1 ×500 ml. and 2 × 250 ml.) and the combined hexane extracts were againtaken to dryness in vacuo. The residue (157.2 g.) was dissolved inacetone (400 ml.) and added to a solution of oxalic acid (49 g.) inacetone (400 ml.). After standing 8 hr. at room temperature and 8 hr. at˜5°, the solids were filtered off, washed with acetone (2 × 100 ml.) anddried over P₂ O₅ at 0.5 mm. This solid (84.2 g.) had m.p. 78°-82°,[α]_(D) -21° (c = 6.45, methanol) and was recrystallized from methylethyl ketone (1.1 l.) (some insoluble solids were filtered off) and gavepure2S,6R-2-[2(S-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-oloxalate (51.2 g.), m.p. 81°-83°, α_(D) - 23.3° (c = 3.95, methanol).

Anal. Calcd for C₂₆ H₃₅ NO₄ (CO₂ H)₂ : C, 65.23; H, 7.23; N, 2.72.Found: C, 64.91; H, 7.09; H, 2.49.

All the mother liquors were taken to dryness and the residue waspartitioned between water (800 ml.) and hexane (400 ml.). The aqueousphase was re-extracted with hexane (400 ml.) and the combined hexaneextracts were then washed with aqueous acetic acid (10 percent).

All the aqueous phases were combined and made basic with sodiumcarbonate solution (130 g. in 400 ml. H₂ O). The organic materials wereextracted into hexane and yielded an oily solid on concentration (75g.). This material was recrystallized three times from hexane to givepure2R,6S-2-[2-(S-α-phenethylamino)-ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol(40 g.), m.p. 78°-80°; [α]_(D) - 37+ (c = 3.42; benzene).

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₆ H₃₅ NO₄ : C, 73.38; H, 8.29; N, 3.29. l Found: C,73.68; H, 8.40; N, 3.47.

All the above mother liquors were taken to dryness and dissolved in amixture of acetone (100 ml.) and dilute aqueous sulfuric acid (1N; 100ml.) and left to stand at room temperature for 2 hr. The mixture wasmade basic with aqueous sodium carbonate solution and the products wereisolated with hexane. (This hydration procedure was necessary asextensive dehydro Mannich base was generated in all the manipulations;particularly in the oxalate recrystallization).

The crude extract (˜19 g.) in acetone (50 ml.) was added to oxalic acid(6 g.) in more acetone (50 ml.). Recrystallization of the precipitate(15.8 g., m.p. 75°-78°) from methyl ethyl ketone gave a further quantityof pure oxalate salt (12.9 g.) [α]_(D) -23.6° (c = 3.19, methanol).

[Note: Both the melting points and the rotations of the oxalate saltsare dependent on the severity of the drying. This is probably due to thepossible formation of solvates.]

EXAMPLE 202S,6R-2-[2-(R-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-ol

The procedure of Example 19 was repeated with the enantiomeric amine(R)-α-phenethylamine. Thus, the lactone(±)-9,9-phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone (54 g, 80-90percent purity) generated a crude base (˜90 g.) which was processed asfollows.

The crude product was partitioned between methanol-water-hexane-aceticacid (300:300:50:350 ml.). The hexane extract was washed withmethanol-water-acetic acid (100 ml; 1:1:0.2). The combined "aqueous"phases were then extracted with hexane/benzene mixture (400 ml; 2:1) andthen made basic with cold aqueous caustic potash (4N; ˜250 ml.) (gavebad emulsion). Extraction with hexane then gave the purified amine base(58 g.) as an amber colored oil. Crystallization from hexane gave pure2S,6R-2-[2-(R-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-ol(17.7 g; after combining other crops), m.p. 75°-77°, [α]_(D) +37° (c =1.053; benzene).

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₆ H₃₅ NO₄ : C, 73.38; H, 8.29; N, 3.29. Found: C,73.63; H, 8.41; N, 3.26.

All the hexane mother liquors were taken to dryness (37 g.), dissolvedin acetone (100 ml.) and added to oxalic acid (14 g.) dissolved inacetone (100 ml.). The solid formed (31 g.) was recrystallized frommethyl ethyl ketone (250 ml.) to give2R,6S-2-[2-(R-α-phenethylamino)-ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-oloxalate (26.6 g.), m.p. 81°-83° [α]_(D) +22.7° (c = ˜4; methanol).

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₆ H₃₅ NO₄ (CO₂ H)₂ : C, 65.23; H, 7.23; N, 2.72.Found: C, 65.3.1; H, 7.31; N, 2.7.

EXAMPLE 213S,6aS-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,α-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7,(8H)-one

a. From2S,6R-2-[2-(R-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-ol

The crystalline free base2S,6R-2-[2-(R-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol(15.02 g.) was dissolved in a mixture of methanol (300 ml.) benzaldehyde(5.42 g.) and sodium bicarbonate (1.07 g.) and heated at reflux, undernitrogen, for 11 hr. The solvents were removed in vacuo and the residuewas partitioned between ether and dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (2N).The ether layer was then washed with aqueous sodium bisulfite solution(3 × 100 ml; 20 percent), brine and dried over sodium sulfate. Removalof the solvents in vacuo yielded the methanol adduct2S-(2-methoxyethyl)-6R-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-ol(12.6 g.) as an oil [α]_(D) +8.94 (c = 1.6328, benzene) having ir bands(film) at 3475 (OH): 1712 (open ketohydroxy form); 1490, 1240 and 740cm⁻ ¹ (catechol ketal). This compound presumably comprises the open andclosed form tautomers. The crude methanol adduct (12.6 g.) was dissolvedin a mixture of toluene (300 ml.), acetic acid (150 ml.), water (5 ml.)containing 2-methylcyclopentan-1,3-dione (4.47 g.) and heated at refluxfor 8 hr. A Dean and Stark water trap was then attached and the mixturewas heated at reflux for a further 90 min. The mixture was cooled,treated with benzene (500 ml.) and washed with water, aqueous sodiumcarbonate solution and dried over MgSO₄. Removal of the solvents invacuo gave an orange colored gum (15.3 g.). Crystallization fromisopropyl alcohol (140 ml.) gave the dienol ether 3S,6aS-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7,(8H)-one(7.9 g.). Recrystallization gave pale orange needles (7.3 g.), m.p.112°-113°, [α]_(D) -122.3°, (c = 1.15; chloroform).

Anal Calcd. for C₂₄ H₂₈ O₄ :C, 75.76; H, 7.42. Found C, 75.99; H, 7.63.

b. From2S,6R-2-[2-(S-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-oloxalate

The oxalate salt (α_(D) -23.3°; 15.45 g.) was dissolved in methanol (360ml.) containing sodium bicarbonate (6 g; anhydrous) and benzaldehyde(4.5 ml.) and heated under nitrogen at reflux for 16 hr. The methanoladduct was then worked up as in (a) above to yield the methanol adductas a pale yellow colored oil (9.9 g.); ir (film) 3450(OH), 1700 (sat >C=O open hemiketal), 1480, 1260, 770 (catechol ketal), 1100 cm⁻ ¹(methoxy). Conversion of this product to the dienol ether followed theprocedure of (a) above and gave pure3S,6aS,3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran7,(8H)-one (5.5 g.) [α]_(D) -121° (c = ˜2; chloroform).

c. Direct conversion of 2S,6R-2-[2-(R-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-ol

A total of 850 mg. of 2S,6R-2-[2-(R-α-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-2-ol was dissolved ina mixture of toluene (30 ml.), aqueous acetic acid (12 ml; 90 percent)pyridine (6 ml.), 2-methylcyclopentan-1,3-dione (330 mg.) and heated atreflux under nitrogen for 16 hr. A Dean and Stark water trap was thenattached and the water was separated for 35 min. Work up as in (a) aboveand filtration of the crude product through alumina (5 0 ml; grade IIIneutral) gave the dienol ether mixture (575 mg.) as a pale yellow solid.Crystallization from isopropyl alcohol gave3S,6aS-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,α-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7,(8)-oneas needles (397 mg.) [α]_(D) -119° (c = ˜2; chloroform);recrystallization raised the rotation to [α]_(D) -121°.

EXAMPLE 22C/D-trans-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7β-ol

The dienol ether3S,6aS-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7,(8H)-one (14 g.) dissolved in THF (100 ml.) was added to a slurry oflithium aluminum hydride (5 g.) in THF (100 ml.) at 5°C. After stirringfor 2 hr. at room temperature wet ether (200 ml.) and saturated aqueoussodium sulfate solution (30 ml.) was added. After stirring a further 1hr. at room temperature the solids were filtered off and washed withether. After drying the combined filtrate over MgSO₄ the solvents weretaken to dryness in vacuo to yield a glass (15.5 g.). This material wasdissolved in dry THF (100 ml.), treated with 5 percent Pd/C (1.5 g.) andhydrogenated at room temperature and pressure. After one mole ofhydrogen had been consumed (usually 2-8 hr. required), the solids werefiltered off, washed with more THF and the combined filtrates taken todryness in vacuo. This gave a mixture of the abovetitled enol ethers (15g.). The nmr spectrum showed two methyl signals for the C_(6a) methylindicating ˜3:1 mixture of the C/D trans to the C/D cis isomers.

EXAMPLE 23 (+)-6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,β-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione

The crude enol-ether mixture C/Dtrans-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,β-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7β-ol (15 g.) dissolved in acetone (150 ml.) was treatedwith aqueous sulfuric acid (.5N; 50 ml.) at room temperature for 2 hr.(followed by tlc). Brine (500 ml.) was added and the products wereisolated with ether to give a glass which contained a major amount of3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-4-hydroxy-6aβ-methyl-perhydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-7β-ol.This material dissolved in acetone (300 ml.) was cooled to 0°-5° andtreated over 20 min. with fresh Jones chromic acid mixture (45 ml.). Themixture was then stirred an additional 21/2 hr. at room temperature.Aqueous sodium bisulfite solution (100 ml; 10 percent) and brine (250ml.) were added and the products were isolated by extraction withbenzene. The combined benzene extracts were washed with dilute sodiumcarbonate solution (5 percent; 100 ml.) and taken to dryness in vacuo.The crude triketone4-(3-oxo-7,7-phenylenedioxyoctyl)-laβ-methyl-perhydroindan-1,5-dione(13.3g.) showed strong bands in the infra red spectrum (chloroform) at1735 and 1710 and 1480 (catechol ketal) cm⁻ ¹ and no hydroxyl band. Thecrude triketone was dissolved in methanol (100 ml.) and added to asolution of potassium hydroxide (2 g.) in methanol (50 ml.) undernitrogen. The deep red colored solution was then heated at reflux for 90min., treated with acetic acid (3 ml.) and taken to dryness. The residuewas partitioned between benzene and sodium carbonate solution (5percent) and gave the crude tricyclic material(+)-6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,β-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione on concentrationto dryness (11.1 g.). Crystallization from methylene chloride: isopropylether mixture (10:30) gave crystalline material (6.43 g.). This materialwas dissolved in ethanol (50 ml.) and left at room temperature, twicefiltered free of solids (˜20 min. intervals) and then cooled to 5° andseeded with pure product. After 16 hr. (at 0°-5° ) the solids wereisolated (4.5 g.), m.p. 118°-120°, [α]_(D) +40.34° (c = ˜2; chloroform).From the various mother liquors a further quantity of material (1.06 g.)was obtained, m.p. 116°-119° [α]_(D) +40.39° (c = ˜2; chloroform).

A sample of the bulked material was filtered through alumina (neutral,grade III) in benzene and recrystallized from ethanol to yield theanalytical sample of(+)-6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)3a,β-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione, m.p. 117°-119°, [α]_(D) +40.77 (c = 1.7267, chloroform).

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₄ H₂₈ O₄ : C, 75.76; H, 7.42. Found: C, 75.96; H,7.31.

EXAMPLE 24 (+)-19-Nor-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione

The tricyclic compound(+)-6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,α-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione(3.8 g; [α]_(D) +40.34°) was dissolved in THF (35 ml.) containingtriethylamine (0.7 ml.) and 5 percent Pd/C (0.4 g.) and hydrogenated atroom temperature and pressure until one mole equivalent of hydrogen hadbeen consumed. The solids were filtered off and the filtrate was takento dryness in vacuo to yield a colorless glass. This material wasdissolved in ethanol (30 ml.), treated with aqueous hydrochloric acid(2N; 20 ml.) and heated at reflux under nitrogen for 4 hr. The solventswere partially removed in vacuo and the residue was extracted withbenzene. The combined benzene extracts were washed with aqueous sodiumcarbonate solution (10 percent) and sodium hydroxide solution (1N).Removal of the solvents gave a white solid (2.8 g.), [α]_(D) +125° (c =2.2°, chloroform). Recrystallization from methylene chloride-isopropylether mixture gave crystalline material (2.08 g.), m.p. 169°-172° (hotstage); 168°-170° (Hoover) [α]_(D) +139.5° (c = 3.03; chloroform).Recrystallization from aqueous methanol gave pure(+)-19-nor-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (1.86 g.), m.p. 172°-174° (hotstage) and 168°-170° (Hoover) [α]_(D) +141.9°.

EXAMPLE 25 4,4-(2,3-Naphthalenedioxy)-1-chloropentane

A mixture of 2,3-naphthalenediol (13.3 g.) and 5-chloro-2-pentanone (5g.) in benzene (100 ml.) containing p-toluenesulfonic acid (100 mg.) washeated at reflux under nitrogen in conjunction with a Dean and Starkwater trap for 18 hr. The cold reaction mixture was treated with benzene(100 ml.) and washed with aqueous sodium carbonate solution (3 × 30 ml;10 percent), brine and dried over magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄. anhydrous).The solids were filtered off and the filtrate was passed through acolumn of alumina (25 ml; neutral grade III. Removal of the solvents invacuo gave an oil (7.3 g.) which yielded pure4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-1-chloropentane (5.4 g.) on distillation,b.p. 139°-141°/0.07 mm.

Anal. Calcd. for C₁₅ H₁₅ O₂ Cl: C, 68.57; H, 5.75; Cl, 13.49. Found: C,68.41; H, 5.67; Cl, 13.49.

EXAMPLE 26 4,4-(4,5-Dimethylphenylenedioxy)-1-chloropentane

A mixture of 4,5-dimethylcatechol (34.4 g.) and 5-chloro-2-pentanone (30g.) in benzene (600 ml.) containing p-toluene-sulfonic acid (600 mg) washeated, under nitrogen, at reflux in conjunction with a Dean and Starkwater trap for 18 hr. More benzene (300 ml.) was added and the darkcolored mixture was washed with aqueous sodium carbonate solution (3 ×150 ml; 10 percent), brine (250 ml.) and dried over MgSO₄. Removal ofthe benzene in vacuo gave a dark colored oil which was dissolved inhexane and filtered through alumina (175 ml; neutral grade III).

Removal of the solvent and distillation of the pale yellow colored oil(47.4 g.) yielded pure 4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)-1-chloropentaneafter distillation (39.8 g.), b.p. 110°-120°/0.1 mm.

Anal. Calcd. for C₁₃ H₁₇ O₂ Cl: C, 64.86; H, 7.12; Cl, 14.73. Found: C,64.66; H, 7.3; Cl, 14.74.

EXAMPLE 27 (±)-6-[4,4-(2,3-Naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol

Magnesium metal (3 g; powder) was activated with iodine under nitrogenand treated with a solution (70 ml.) of the4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-1-chloropentane in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (20g. in 200 ml. THF; distilled from calcium hydride). The mixture washeated to 40° and treated with dibromoethane (˜.3 ml.). After theinitial exotherm (slight) had subsided the rest of the solution wasadded. The mixture was then heated at 35°-37° for a further 31/2-4 hr.with stirring. (The progress of the reaction was followed by quenchingan aliquote (.5 ml.) with aqueous ammonium chloride solution (2 ml; 15per cent) and ether (.5 ml.) and analyzing the organic phase by vpc at200° C.) Dry redistilled glutaraldehyde (7.6 g.) dissolved in THF (60ml.) was cooled to -60° and treated with the above Grignard reagent(10-15 min.) keeping the temperature at -60°→ -50°. The mixture was thenwarmed to room temperature over ˜3 hr. After this time (tlc indicatedcomplete reaction) the mixture was cooled to 5° and treated with aqueousammonium chloride solution (45 ml; saturated). The solids were filteredoff, washed well with more THF and the combined filtrate was taken todryness in vacuo. The crude hemiacetal(±)-6-[4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol (24.7 g.)was chromatographed on silica gel (750 g; 0.2 --0.5 mm mesh) and yieldedpure product (15.6 g.) on elution with benzene-ethyl acetate mixtures(9:1; 4:1; and 7:3).

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₀ H₂₄ O₄ : C, 73.14; H, 7.37. Found: C, 72.84; H,7.67. Ir showed bands at 3600 (-OH), 1470 and 1250 cm⁻ ¹(naphthalenedioxy).

EXAMPLE 28(±)-6-[4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran2-ol

The chloroketal 4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)-1-chlorpentane (24 g.)in THF (400 ml.) was converted into the Grignard reagent with magnesium(3.65 g.) as in Example 27. The above solution was then added to dryredistilled glutaraldehyde (10 g.) in THF (150 ml.) as before to yieldthe crude hemiacetal(±)-6-[4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol(32.5 g.) after the same workup. Chromatography on silica gel (900 g;.2-.5 mm mesh) yielded pure material (13.8 g.).

Anal. Calcd. for C₁₈ H₂₆ O₄ : C, 70.56; H, 8.55 Found: C, 69.73; H,8.27. Ir showed bands at 3600(-OH), 1500 and 1260 cm⁻ ¹(Phenylenedioxy).

EXAMPLE 29 (±)-11,11-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-3,7-dihydroxy-1-dodecene

The hemiacetal(±)-6-[4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol (15 g.)dissolved in THF (60 ml.) was cooled to 5° and treated with a solutionof vinyl magnesium chloride (62.4 ml; 2.2 molar in THF) and stirred atroom temperature overnight (2-3 hr. are sufficient). Aqueous ammoniumchloride solution (30 ml; 15 percent) was added and the solids werefiltered off and washed with more THF. The combined THF filtrates weretaken to dryness in vacuo to yield the crude vinyl diol(±)-11,11-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-3,7-dihydroxy-1-dodecene (17.2 g.).Chromatography on silica gel (510 g; .2-.5 mm mesh) gave pure product(13.3 g.) on elution with benzene-ethyl acetate mixtures (7:3; 1:1 and1:3).

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₂ H₂₈ O₄ : C, 74.13; H, 7.92. Found: C, 73.75; H,7.80.

EXAMPLE 30(±)-11,11-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)-3,7-dihydroxy-1-dodecene

The hemiacetal(±)-6-[4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol(13.7 g.) dissolved in THF (70 ml.) was treated with vinyl magnesiumchloride solution (60.5 ml; 2.0 molar in THF) as in Example 29. Workupand chromatography on silica gel as in the previous example gave thepure vinyl diol(±)-11,11-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)-3,7-dihydroxy-1-dodecene (11.2g).

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₀ H₃₀ O₄ : C, 71.83; H, 9.04. Found: C, 71.79; H,9.27.

IR shows bands at 3610 and 3450 (-OH), 1500 and 1255 (phenylenedioxy)and 860 cm.sup.⁻¹ (C=CH₂).

EXAMPLE 31(±)-2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl-tetrahydropyran-2-ol

Manganese dioxide (140 g.) was added to benzene (400 ml.) and cooled to˜5°. Diethylamine (400 ml.) was slowly added followed by a solution ofthe vinyl diol (±)-11,11-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-3,7-dihydroxy-1-dodecene(14.4 g.) in benzene (100 ml.). The mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for 18 hr., filtered free of solids and the residue waswashed well with benzene. Removal of the benzene from the combinedextracts gave a brown colored oil (21.2 g.). This material was dissolvedin ether (200 ml.) and extracted with cold aqueous hydrochloric acid(1N; 4 × 50 ml.). The aqueous phase was made basic with caustic potashsolution (2N) and the product was isolated with ether. Removal of thesolvents yielded(±)-2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl-tetrahydropyran-2-ol(16.2 g.) as an amber colored oil.

Ir had bands at 3600 (bonded -OH and -NH) 1250 and 1470 cm.sup.⁻¹(naphthalenedioxy).

EXAMPLE 32(±)-2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-6-[4,4-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol

A solution of the vinyl diol(±)-11,11-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)-3,7-dihydroxy-1-dodecene (11.5g.) in benzene (100 ml.) was treated with manganese dioxide (115 g.) asin Example 31. After acid purification the product(±)-2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-6-[4,4-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol(11.6 g.) was obtained as a pale yellow oil.

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₄ H₃₉ NO₄ : C, 71.07; H, 9.69; N, 3.45. Found: C70.87; H, 9.74; N, 3.15.

IR showed bands at 3100 (broad, bonded -OH and -NH) 1500 and 1260cm.sup.⁻¹ (phenylenedioxy).

EXAMPLE 33(±)-3-[4,4-(2,3-Naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydro-cyclopenta-[f][l]-benzopyran-7(8H)-one

A mixture of(±)-2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl-tetrahydropyran-2-ol(1.51 g.), toluene (8 ml.), acetic acid (2 ml.) and2-methylcyclopentan-1,3-dione (470 mg.) was heated at reflux, undernitrogen for 90 min. Dilution with benzene (50 ml.) and extraction withwater, aqueous sodium carbonate solution and brine yielded the dienolether (1.5 g.) as an orange-yellow colored oil. A sample of thismaterial was filtered through a column of alumina (grade III; neutral;10:1) in benzene-hexane (1:1) mixture. Removal of the solvents in vacuoand crystallization of the pale yellow colored residue from hexanefurnished pure(±)-3-[4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydro-cyclopenta-[f][l]benzopyran7(8H)-one,m.p. 112°-114°.

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₉ H₃₀ O₄ : C, 78.11; H, 7.02. Found: C, 78.36; H,7.30.

EXAMPLE 34(±)-3-[4,4-(4,5-Dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7(8H)-one

A mixture of(±)-2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-6-[4,4-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol(11.5 g.), toluene (60 ml.), acetic acid (15.2 ml.) and2-methylcyclopentane-1,3dione (3.6 g.) was heated at reflux for 1 hourand then 30 min. more in conjunction with a Dean and Stark water trap.Workup as in Example 33 gave the dienol ether as a brown-red coloredsolid (11.1 g.). A sample of this material after filtration throughalumina (neutral; grade III) yielded pure(±)-3-[4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7(8H)-oneon crystallization from hexane, m.p. 125°-127°.

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₆ H₃₂ O₄ : C, 76.44; H, 7.90. Found: C, 76.23; H,7.95.

EXAMPLE 35C/D-trans-3-[4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-ol

The crude dienol ether(±)-3-[4,4-(2,5-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydro-cyclopenta[f][l]-benzopyran-7(8H)-one(11.7 g.) dissolved in THF (120 ml.) was cooled to 5° and treated,dropwise with sodium-bis-(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminate (Fr. Pat. No.1,515,582) (7.1 ml; 70 percent w/w in benzene). After stirring for afurther 1 hr. at room temperature, ether (500 ml.) was added followed bydilute aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (2N; 100 ml.). The organicphase was washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. Removal of thesolvents in vacuo gave a glass comprising racemic3-[4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8-octahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-ol. This was one major spoton the tlc analysis and showed bands in the ir spectrum (CHCl₃ solution)at 3600 and 3450 (-OH), 1645 (dienol ether) and 1465 cm.sup.⁻¹(naphthalenedioxy).

The crude material (11.6 g.) was dissolved in THF (200 ml.) containing 5percent Pd/C (1 g.) and hydrogenated at room temperature and pressureuntil one mole of hydrogen had been consumed. The solids were filteredoff washed well with more THF and the combined filtrates were taken todryness in vacuo to give product (11.7 g.) as a glass which contained amajor amount ofC/D-trans-3-[4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-ol.

This material was one major spot on tlc analysis and showed bands in their spectrum (film) at 3450 (-OH), 1675 (enol ether) 1470 and 1250cm.sup.⁻¹ (naphthalenedioxy). The nmr spectrum showed two methyl signalsat δ0.78 ppm in the ratio of approximately 85:15 indicating the relativeamounts of C/D trans and C/D cis material respectively.

EXAMPLE 36C/D-trans-3-[4,4-(4,5-dimethyphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-ol

Treatment of the dienol ether(±)-3-[4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7(8H)-one(9.8 g.) as in Example 35 yielded the crude alcohol racemic3-[4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8-octahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-ol (10 g.) as a glass having bands in the ir spectrumat 3600 and 3450 (-OH) and 1645 cm.sup.⁻¹ (dienol ether). Hydrogenationas in Example 35 gave the enol etherC/D-trans-3-[4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-ol (10.4 g.) as a glass.

The nmr spectrum showed the methyl signals centered at δ0.74 ppm in anapproximate ratio of 70:30 indicating the relative proportions of theC/D trans and C/D cis materials respectively.

EXAMPLE 37(±)-6-[3,3-(2,3-Naphthalenedioxy)butyl]-3aβ-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a-9.beta.-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione

A solution of the crude enol etherC/D-trans-3-[4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-ol(12.6 g.) in acetone (135 ml.) was treated with dilute aqueous sulfuricacid (13.4 ml; 1N) and left at room temperature for 2 hr. This solutionof the crude hemiketal(±)-3-[4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)butyl]-4-hydroxy-6aβ-methyl-perhydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-olwas then cooled to 5° and treated over 20 min. with a solution of sodiumdichromate-sulfuric acid (34 ml; from 100 g. Na₂ Cr₂ O₇.2H₂ O; 70.8 ml.H₂ SO₄ conc. made up to 250 ml. with water).

The mixture was then warmed to room temperature and stirred at thattemperature for a further 2 hr. Dilute aqueous sodium bisulfite solutionwas added (100 ml. 5 percent) followed by brine (100 ml.) and theorganic materials were isolated with benzene. The combined benzeneextracts were washed with an aqueous sodium carbonate solution (5percent; 2 × 40 ml.) dried over MgSo₄ and taken to dryness in vacuo.This gave the triketone(±)-4-[3-oxo-7,7-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-octyl]-1aβ-methylperhydroindan-1,5-dione(9.6 g.) as an orange colored oil showing bands in the ir spectrum(CHCl₃ solution) at 1740 (cyclopentanone), 1710 (cyclohexanone andstraight chain ketone) and 1470 cm.sup.⁻¹ (naphthalenedioxy).

The crude triketone (9.6 g.), dissolved in methanol, was added to asolution of potassium hydroxide (1.44 g.) dissolved in more methanol (36ml.) and heated at reflux for 11/2 hr. Glacial acetic acid (2.2 ml.) wasadded; the solvents were removed in vacuo and the residue was extractedinto methylene chloride, washed with brine, aqueous sodium carbonatesolution (5 percent) and dried with MgSO₄. Removal of the solvents invacuo yielded the crude tricyclic material as a brown powder.Crystallization from chloroform-methanol mixture yielded pure(±)-6-[3,3-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)butyl]-3aβ-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione(3.9 g.), m.p. 247°-249°.

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₈ H₃₀ O₄ : C, 78.12; H, 7.02. Found: C, 77.81; H,6.87.

EXAMPLE 38(±)-6-[3,3-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)butyl]-3aβ-methyl-4,5,8,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]-indene-3,7-(2H,3aHO)-dione

The crude enol etherC/D-trans-3-[4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-6aβ-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-ol(10.4 g.) in analogous fashion to Example 37 was hydrated to give thecrude hemiketal(±)-3-[4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)butyl]-4-hydroxy-6a.beta.-methylperhydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-ol.This compound was oxidized as before to yield the crude triketone(±)-4-[3-oxo-7,7-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)octyl]-1aβ-methyl-perhydroindan1,5-dioneshowing bands in the ir spectrum (CHCl₃ solution) at 1735(cyclopentanone), 1710 (cyclohexanone and straight chain ketone) and1485 cm.sup.⁻¹ (phenylenedioxy). Cyclization of the triketone yieldedthe crude tricyclic material(±)-6-[3,3-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)butyl]-3aβ-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro1H-benz[e]-indene-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione(4.7 g.) as an orange colored oil. Chromatography on 150 g. of silicagel using benzene-ethyl acetate mixtures (9:1 and 17:3) followed bycrystallization from ethanol gave pure product (1.37 g.), m.p.164°-165°.

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₆ H₃₂ O₄ : C, 76.44; H, 7.90. Found: C, 76.20; H,7.75.

EXAMPLE 39(±)-6-[3,3-(2,3-Naphthalenedioxy)butyl]-3aβ-methyl-perhydrobenz[e]-indane-3,17-dione

The tricyclic material (±)-6-[3,3-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)butyl]-3aβ-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione(3.2 g.) was treated with 5 percent Pd/C (500 mg.) in THF (100 ml.)containing triethylamine (1 ml.) and hydrogenated at room temperatureand pressure until one mole of hydrogen had been consumed. The solidswere filtered off and the solvents removed in vacuo. Crystallization ofa sample from ethanol yielded the saturated diketone, m.p. 190°-195°.

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₈ H₃₂ O₄ : C, 77.75; H, 7.46. Found: C, 77.92; H,7.32.

EXAMPLE 40 (±)-19-Nor-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione

A. A solution of(±)-6-[3,3-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)butyl]-3aβ-methyl-perhydrobenz[e]-indane-3,17-dione(2 g.) in n-butanol (60 ml.) was treated with dilute aqueoushydrochloric acid (20 ml; 4N) and heated at reflux for 4 hr. Thesolvents were removed in vacuo and the residue was extracted with ether.After washing the ethereal solution with aqueous sodium carbonatesolution (10 percent) and caustic soda solution (1N) the solvents wereremoved in vacuo. Crystallization of the residue from methylenechloride-isopropyl ether mixture yielded racemic19-nor-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (1.06 g.), m.p. 155°-156° identical withauthentic material (tlc; ir, uv).

Uv λ_(max) 239 mμ (ε_(max) 17,100); ir bands at 1738 (cyclopentanone)1665 and 1620 cm.sup.⁻¹ (cyclohexenone).

B. A solution of (±)-6-[3,3-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)butyl]-3aβ-methyl-4,5,8,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]-indene-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione(1.22 g.) in THF (50 ml.) containing triethylamine (.5 ml.) and 5percent Pd/C (300 mg.) was hydrogenated at room temperature and pressureuntil one mole of hydrogen was consumed. The solids were filtered offand the filtrate was taken to dryness in vacuo. The residue (1.3 g.),consisting of(±)-6-[3,3-(4,5-phenylenedioxy)butyl]-3aβ-methyl-perhydrobenz[e]indane-3,17-dionewhich showed bands in the ir (CHCl₃ solution) at 1735 (cyclopentanone),1705 (cyclohexanone) and 1485 cm.sup.⁻¹ (phenylenedioxy), dissolved inethanol (30 ml.) was treated with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (4N;10 ml.) and heated under reflux for 4 hr. Removal of the solvents invacuo and workup as before yielded (±)-19-nor-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione(615 mg.) on crystallization from methylene chloride-isopropyl ethermixture.

This material was again identical with authentic material (m.p., mixedm.p., tlc, ir, and uv spectra).

Uv λ_(max) 239 mμ (ε_(max) 17,000): ir showed bands at 1738(cyclopentanone), 1665 and 1620 cm.sup.⁻¹ (cyclohexenone).

EXAMPLE 41

A mixture of pure "Mannich Base" from Example 14 (4.68 g.) acetone (50ml.), methyliodide (10 ml.) and anhydrous potassium carbonate (6.0 g.)was stirred at r.t. for 18 hr. The precipitate was filtered off, washedwell with acetone and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The resultingresidue was mixed with tertiary butyl alcohol (120 ml.), water (30 ml.)and 2-ethylcyclopentane-1,3-dione and refluxed for 24 hr. After cooling,the mixture was evaporated to dryness, diluted with benzene andextracted with saturated oxalic acid solution, saturated sodiumbicarbonate solution and water. The aqueous layers were reextracted withbenzene and the combined benzene layers were dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate. Filtration and solvent removal afforded a brown oil (4.5 g.).This material was chromatographed on silica gel (300 g.). Elution withbenzene-ether 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 afforded 3.77 g. of a colorlessoil. This material was treated with p-toluenesulfonic acid (370 mg.;monohydrate) at room temperature. After stirring for 30 minutes themixture was treated with more p-toluenesulfonic acid (370 mg.) andstirred at room temperature for 2 hr. The solution was then extractedwith brine, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and brine again. Theaqueous layers were extracted with benzene and the combined benzenelayers dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Filtration and solventremoval afforded 3.32 g. of an oil, which was chromatographed on silicagel (300 g.). Elution with benzene: ether 9:1 and 4:1 afforded 3S,6aS,3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6aβ-ethyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7(8H)-one,(2.69 g; 60% from Mannich Base) as an oil; [α]_(D) ²⁵ = -117.8° (C= 1.30in CHCl₃).

EXAMPLE 42

A solution of the product from Example 41 (2.66 g.) in THF (30 ml.;dried over Al₂ O₃, grade I) was added at 0°-5° C. (within 10 min.) to amixture of lithium aluminumhydride (520 mg.) in THF (50 ml.), withstirring. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 11/2hr. and then worked up by careful addition of saturated aqueous sodiumsulfate solution. Filtration and solvent removal afforded3S,6aS,3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6aβ-ethyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8-octahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-ol(2.74 g.) as an oil.

EXAMPLE 43

A solution of the product from Example 42 (2.54 g.) in toluene (90 ml.)was hydrogenated under normal conditions using a palladium catalyst (300mg.; "AK 4"). The uptake (145 ml.) of H₂ stopped after about 3 hr. Thecatalyst was filtered off and washed with benzene. Solvent removal gavetrans-3S,6aS,3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6aβ-ethyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7β-olas an oil.

EXAMPLE 44

A mixture of the product from Example 43 (2.8 g.) acetone (26 ml.) and0.5N sulfuric acid (2.6 ml.) was allowed to stand at room temperaturefor 23/4 hr. The reaction mixture containingtrans-3-,6aS,3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6aβ-ethyl-perhydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-4,7β-diolwas then cooled to 0° C. and treated with freshly prepared Jones Reagent(6.7 ml.). After addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 4 hr., then diluted with benzene and the resulting mixture extractedwith water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and brine. The aqueouslayers were reextracted with benzene and the combined benzene layersdried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Filtration and solvent removalaffordedtrans-1aS,4-(3-oxo-7,7-phenylenedioxyoctyl)-laβ-ethyl-perhydroindan-1,5-dione(2.0 g.) as a brown oil.

EXAMPLE 45

A solution of the product from Example 44 (2.0 g.) in methanol (6.5 ml.)was treated with a solution of potassium hydroxide (210 mg.) in themethanol (13.5 ml.) and then refluxed with stirring for 11/2 hr. Aftercooling, the mixture was diluted with benzene and extracted with water,0.5 N hydrochloric acid, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution andbrine. The aqueous layers were reextracted with benzene and the combinedbenzene layers dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Filtration andsolvent removal affordedtrans-anti-3aS,6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3aβ-ethyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]inden-3,7(2H,8H)-dione (1.46 g.) as an oil.

EXAMPLE 46

A solution of the product from Example 45 (1.46 g.) in ethanol (42 ml.)and triethylamine (2.0 ml.) was hydrogenated under normal conditionsusing a palladium catalyst (300 mg.; "AK 4"). The uptake (88 ml.) of H₂stopped after 5 hr. The catalyst was filtered off and washed withethanol. Solvent removal affordedtrans-anti-trans-3aS,6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)3aβ-ethyl-4,5,5a,6,8,9,9a,9b-octahydro-1H-benz[e]-inden-3,7-(2H,8H)-dione(1.39 g.) as an oil.

EXAMPLE 47

A solution of the product from Example 46 (1.39 g.) in ethanol (39 ml.)and 2N hydrochloric acid (19 ml.) was refluxed for 4 hr. After cooling,the mixture was concentrated in vacuo, then diluted with benzene andextracted with water, 10% aqueous sodium carbonate solution, 10% aqueoussodium hydroxide solution and brine. The aqueous layer was reextractedwith benzene and the combined benzene layers dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate. Filtration and solvent removal afforded 1.0 g. of an oil. Thismaterial was chromatographed on alumina (grade III, 100 g.). The columnwas prepared in a hexane-benzene mixture 4:1. Elution withhexane-benzene 1:9, benzene along and benzene-ether 9:1 afforded 550 mg.of a semi-crystalline product. This material was crystallized fromispropyl ether-hexane at 0° C. to affordd-(+)-13β-ethylgon-4-en-3,17-dione, 337.4 mg., as colorless crystals. Anoptionally pure sample was obtained by fractional recrystallization ofthe above sample from ethanol and methanol. The analytically pure samplehad a m.p. of 176.5° -178° C. and [α]_(D) ²⁵ = +98.13° (C= 1.0374,CHCl₃). Calcd. for C₁₉ H₂₆ O₂ : C, 79.68; H, 9.15 (286.40) Found: C,79.89; H, 9.26. Uv max (e) at 239 mμ, 16250; ir CHCl₃ showed absorptionsat 1740 cm.sup.⁻¹ (cyclopentanone), 1660 and 1620 cm.sup.⁻¹ (unsaturatedketone). Nmr (A 60, CDCl₃) triplet, 3 protons C₁₈ -CH₃, centered atδ0.80, J= 8 cps; singlet, 1 proton C₄ -H, at δ5.85.

We claim:
 1. A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula##SPC22##wherein Y is ##EQU5## B is the remaining residue of aphenylene, 4,5-dimethylphenylene or 2,3-naphthalene moiety; R₁ is aprimary alkyl group of from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R₅, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₄ andR₁₅ are each independently hydrogen or lower alkyl; Z is carbonyl; m isan integer having a value of 1 to 2 and the C/D-ring fusion is cis whichcomprises contacting under basic conditions a compound of the formula##SPC23## wherein R₁, R₁₁, R₁₂, Y, Z and m have the same meaning asabove with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst and aninert solvent.
 2. A process as in claim 1 wherein Y is selected from thegroup consisting of 4,4-phenylenedioxybutyl; 3,3-(phenylenedioxy)-butyl;3,3-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-butyl and3,3-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)-butyl.